On July 20, 1978, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration TG-PAW) operated by Aero Express - Guatemala was involved in an aviation accident near Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident remains undetermined at this time. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A cargo aircraft crashed into Lake Petén Itzá while approaching Flores-Santa Elena Airport, resulting in no fatalities among the crew.
What happened
During a scheduled cargo operation traveling from Dos Lagunas to Flores, Petén, an aircraft went down in Lake Petén Itzá. The incident occurred as the flight crew was performing the approach phase into Flores-Santa Elena Airport.
Upon impact with the water, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss. Despite the severity of the crash, rescue efforts were successful, and all three occupants were recovered from the scene without loss of life.
Findings
The specific reasons for the descent into the lake remain undetermined, as the crash occurred under unknown circumstances.
Probable cause
The cause of the accident remains undetermined at this time.